Leaders hail FTA: New era for ties between Sri Lanka, Pakistan
[February 09, 2005 -9.00 GMT] 

From Pramod de Silva in Islamabad

President Chandrika Kumaratunga and President Pervez Musharraf on expressed optimism that the FTA, signed today would usher in a new era of economic cooperation between the two countries.

Briefing the press after their bilateral talks in Islamabad, President Musharraf said the “FTA will impart a tremendous boost to our economic and commercial ties”.

”We will identify areas for developing greater economic cooperation – this will certainly be beneficial for both,” he added.

President Kumaratunga reaffirmed these views, saying the FTA with Pakistan was a major development in bilateral relations. “It will take bilateral trade ties to a higher level.”

She recalled Sri Lanka’s pioneering role in the formulation of FTAs with other SAARC nations, noting that India also signed its first-ever FTA with Sri Lanka. The agreement signed today, was Pakistan’s first-ever FTA with any country.

The leaders told the media personnel that both countries were looking forward to reaping the benefits of the free trade agreement.

Briefing the media after the signing of the FTA, Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz echoed his President’s views, saying the FTA would herald a new era of both countries.

”It is a turning point in our relations. This can serve as model to South Asia and the world,” Aziz told the media at Prime Minister’s House, where the pact was signed.

President Kumaratunga said Sri Lanka was privileged to have become the first country to sign an FTA with Pakistan. Referring to the peace process between India and Pakistan, President Kumaratunga said the improvement of their bilateral relations and the resolution of the Kashmir issue would pave the way for enhanced regional cooperation. She commended President Musharraf’s efforts for the establishment of peace in the region.

”Pakistan is very serious on moving forward on the betterment of relations between India and Pakistan. Our efforts move in tandem on the confidence building measures and the dialogue process between India and Pakistan,” the Pakistan President said the briefing.

Both leaders expressed views on defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The Sri Lankan President recalled that Pakistan was one of the few countries that came to Sri Lanka’s aid when there were very difficult situations in the conflict.

They also voiced their concern over the postponement of the SAARC Summit and pledged to undertake all efforts to hold the 13th Summit as soon as possible. President Musharraf suggested that there should be some formulation whereby no postponement would be possible.

”Pakistan believes that we need to inject more seriousness into SAARC,” he said.

President Kumaratunga also expressed the hope that the SAARC would be able to move forward for the economic and social wellbeing of all SAARC countries.

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Last Updated Date: February 09, 2005 - 19.00 GMT